Amid rising calls for creation of new provinces in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the two major stakeholders--PML-N and ANP--see the move as 'unconstitutional', and 'launched to gain political point-scoring'.
The debate of creation of new provinces gained momentum when Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a coalition partner of the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Monday filed, with the National Assembly Secretariat, a draft of 20th constitutional amendment, seeking formation of Hazara province in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a province, or more, in southern Punjab.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani also announced his support for creation of new provinces while speaking in National Assembly on Tuesday. The bid, however, invited wrath of PML-N, the ruling party in Punjab, and ANP which is an allied party of the PPP-led government in the Centre, and a ruling party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The two major stakeholders, though not opposing creation of new provinces, emphasised building up consensus through proper debate among all stakeholders.
Talking to Business Recorder, PML-N secretary, information, Senator Mushahidullah Khan termed the move as a non-issue, which he said has been initiated for gaining political mileage. He said that his party was not opposing creation of new provinces but these should be on administrative basis and not on linguistic or ethnic grounds. He suggested that a commission, in consultation with all stakeholders, should be constituted, which should decide whether to create more federating units in the country.
He said that the demand for a commission was not new, and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif had mentioned it when the debate for new provinces first surfaced. "There should be a national debate amongst all stakeholders to create federating units wherever required", he said, adding that submission of resolution in National Assembly would not resolve the issue.
He said that a conspiracy has been hatched to divide Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that constitutional means should be adopted while going for creation of new federating units. He also criticised the reported statement attributed to Prime Minister that his son may become the chief minister of 'Seraiki province' - a charge that was refuted by the Prime Minister on the floor of the house. However, Mushahidullah insisted that the "Prime Minister's statement clearly indicates that the move is only for political point scoring, which has nothing to do with the will of the people."
ANP secretary, information, Zahid Khan described the move as unconstitutional, saying that only provincial assemblies, through two-third majority, can pass resolution for creation of new provinces. He said that the Constitution does not allow Parliament to go for formation of new provinces in the country. "Only a provincial assembly can pass resolution with two-third majority to create another province and this is not within the authority of the Parliament", he remarked. He, however, pointed out that his party was not opposing new provinces, but added that constitutional means should be adopted.